2026 Charlotte Winter Classic & Winter Classic Blitz takes place from December 26-28, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This is a chess tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, in 2026. The event combines a four-section classical chess tournament with a Sunday evening blitz chess tournament at Hilton Charlotte University Place. The main tournament features a guaranteed USD 7,000 prize fund, while the blitz adds a separate guaranteed USD 500 prize fund during the same weekend.

Moreover, this chess tournament in Charlotte gives players a flexible year-end option with both long-play and fast-play competition in one trip. The 2026 Charlotte Winter Classic & Winter Classic Blitz brings together a strong over-the-board chess tournament format, FIDE-rated main sections, a convenient hotel venue, and an extra night of blitz action. In addition, players can choose between 3-day and 2-day schedules in the classical event. As a result, this chess event in Charlotte appeals to masters, experts, club players, and improving competitors who want a competitive holiday weekend in North Carolina.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The combined guaranteed cash prize fund totals $7,500.

In addition, the Championship section awards 40 US Chess Grand Prix points. Plaques also go to first place in all classical sections.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The main tournament uses a 5-round Swiss system with two schedule options. In the Championship section, the 3-day schedule uses Game in 110 minutes with a 10-second increment from move one. Meanwhile, the Under sections use Game in 100 minutes with a 10-second increment on the 3-day schedule.

The 2-day schedule uses Game in 30 minutes with a 10-second increment for rounds 1 and 2. After that, those players merge into the main schedule for rounds 3-5 at the regular classical time control for their section. All sections are US Chess rated, and all sections are also FIDE rated except for 2-day schedule games. Players may request up to two optional half-point byes before round 1. However, byes requested during the tournament count as zero points.

The blitz side event uses a 6-round Swiss format at Game in 3 minutes with a 2-second increment from move one. In addition, the blitz is both US Chess Blitz rated and FIDE Blitz rated.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

👥 Organizer

Charlotte Chess Center organizes this year-end festival and continues to run one of the strongest tournament calendars in the region. In addition, the organizer regularly stages classical opens, norm events, scholastic competitions, and major holiday tournaments in Charlotte.

• Address: 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

• Email: events@charlottechesscenter.org

• Phone: +1 980-265-1156

• Website: https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/events/winterclassic

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteChessCenter

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottechesscenter

🏨 Venue

Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA

The tournament takes place at a convenient Charlotte hotel venue with free internet and free parking. Moreover, the property gives players an easy on-site base for a busy holiday weekend of competitive chess. The official tournament room rate is $139 per night.

🛎️ Accommodation

The official hotel is Hilton Charlotte University Place. The confirmed room rate is $139 per night. Players should reserve by December 2, subject to availability. In addition, guests may need to use the “edit stay” option in the booking system to match their exact travel dates.

🚗 How to Get There

Players can reach the venue easily by car in the University Place area of Charlotte. In addition, the hotel offers free parking, which makes arrival easier for both local and visiting players. Travelers arriving from outside the city can continue to the venue by rental car, taxi, or rideshare.

🧾 Other

Main event players receive free entry to the blitz side event, while other players may enter the blitz on site. The organizer provides boards, sets, and clocks, and players must use that equipment.

No spectators are allowed in the playing area or nearby hallway. Therefore, the weekend keeps a focused tournament atmosphere for classical and blitz play alike.

Close the year in Charlotte with both classical and blitz action and enjoy one more strong rated chess weekend before the new season begins.